Somerset
Statistical Area - sa2

Somerset is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Somerset's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 4,242 people. This figure represents an increase of 175 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 4,067. The growth was inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,229 in June 2024 and an additional 49 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 157 persons per square kilometer. Somerset's 4.3% growth since the 2021 census surpassed the SA3 area's 4.1%, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration accounted for approximately 83.1% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and to estimate growth by age group post-2032, the Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021, adjusted using weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. According to these projections, Somerset's population is expected to decline by 357 persons by 2041. However, growth within specific age cohorts is anticipated, notably the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to expand by 179 people.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Somerset according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Somerset received around 12 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 60 homes. In FY-26 so far, two approvals have been recorded. Each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25 attracted an average of 2.7 new residents per year, reflecting robust demand that supports property values. New homes were constructed at an average cost of $294,000.

This financial year, $554,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of Tas., Somerset has about three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 35th percentile nationally, suggesting limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing dwellings. This is below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. All new construction comprised detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

The estimated 473 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Given stable or declining population forecasts, Somerset may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Somerset has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 22ndth percentile nationally

Three projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area: Langley Park Clubroom Redevelopment and Amenities Upgrade, Draft Outline Development Plan - Malakoff Street, North West Coastal Pathway - Wynyard to Burnie Section, and Marinus Link.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Somerset has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Somerset has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs, with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 3.6% in the past year, which is lower than the Rest of Tas.'s rate of 3.9%.

Employment growth was estimated at 2.4% over the same period. As of June 2025, 1,910 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.3% below the Rest of Tas.'s rate. Workforce participation is lower than standard at 52.6%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training.

The area has strong specialization in mining, with an employment share 3.2 times the regional level, but agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 2.5% compared to the regional average of 8.4%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census data comparison. In the 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 2.4% while labour force increased by 2.2%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Tas., where employment contracted by 0.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Somerset's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.2%% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, though this is an illustrative extrapolation and does not account for localised population projections.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022, Somerset's median income among taxpayers is $49,921. The average income in Somerset during this period was $58,506. This is lower than the national average. In comparison, Rest of Tas.'s median income was $47,358 with an average of $57,384. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.83% from financial year 2022 to September 2025, current estimates for Somerset would be approximately $56,825 (median) and $66,597 (average). According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in Somerset all fall between the 7th and 12th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that the largest segment comprises 29.7% earning $400 - $799 weekly (1,259 residents). Unlike trends in metropolitan regions where 28.5% fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, this is not the case in Somerset. After housing costs, 86.2% of income remains in Somerset, ranking at only the 11th percentile nationally.

Somerset is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Somerset's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 89.9% houses and 10.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Non-Metro Tas., in comparison, had 90.3% houses and 9.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Somerset was at 41.1%, with the rest being mortgaged at 30.7% or rented at 28.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Somerset was $1,192, lower than Non-Metro Tas.'s average of $1,200. Weekly rent in Somerset was recorded at $240, matching Non-Metro Tas.'s figure. Nationally, Somerset's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Somerset features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 65.1% of all households, including 20.7% couples with children, 31.7% couples without children, and 12.2% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 34.9%, with lone person households at 32.8% and group households making up 2.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Tas. average of 2.3.

Somerset faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area has lower university qualification rates at 12.6%, compared to the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 8.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 39.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (8.8%) and certificates (30.9%). A total of 24.7% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 10.1% in primary, 7.6% in secondary, and 2.8% in tertiary education.

Educational facilities include Somerset Primary School and Australian Christian College - Burnie, serving a combined total of 378 students. The area has varied educational conditions, with a mix of 1 primary and 1 K-12 school. There are 8.9 school places per 100 residents, below the regional average of 16.3, indicating some students may attend schools in nearby areas.

Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Somerset has 32 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totalling 86 individual services. The combined weekly passenger trips across all these routes amount to 9,720.

Transport accessibility in Somerset is rated good, with residents typically residing 241 meters from the nearest stop. On average, there are 1,388 transport trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 303 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Somerset is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Somerset faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49%, covering around 2,082 people, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.0%) and mental health issues (10.6%). Around 58.9% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the Rest of Tas. average of 60.3%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 26.6%, or 1,128 people, compared to Rest of Tas.'s 24.7%. Health outcomes among seniors are challenging but broadly align with the general population's health profile.

The latest Census data sees Somerset placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Somerset had a cultural diversity index below the average, with 91.5% of its population born in Australia, 92.5% being citizens, and 97.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Somerset, accounting for 43.1% of people, compared to 41.9% across Rest of Tas. The top three ancestral groups were Australian (35.0%), English (34.8%), and Irish (7.7%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation was higher at 5.7% in Somerset than the regional average of 5.9%, while Dutch representation was lower at 1.5% compared to 1.7%. Welsh representation was also lower at 0.5% versus 0.3%.

Somerset hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Somerset has a median age of 48, which is slightly higher than the Rest of Tasmania's figure of 45 and significantly above the national average of 38. The 55-64 age group constitutes 16.2% of Somerset's population, compared to the Rest of Tasmania, while the 35-44 cohort makes up 9.8%. According to the 2021 Census, the 55-64 age group has increased from 15.3% to 16.2%, and the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 11.0% to 9.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Somerset's age profile will change significantly. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 161 people (43%), from 376 to 538. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for all of the total population growth, reflecting Somerset's aging demographic profile. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 45-54 and 0-4 cohorts.